How do Children’s Memory Skills Develop?

We have always been told that children start to remember things at about the age of 3 or 4. As a matter of fact, according to many researchers some babies are able to remember things that happened at about the age of 2, above all if they were things that they talk about with their parents right away.

Memory skills are crucially important for children at any age. For example, when a child is looking for his favourite toy, not only does he remember the toy, but he is also trying to remember where he left it.

Memory skills help children learn the basic things they need to know to understand the world around them.

But how can you help your child develop his memory skills in the first 3 years of his life?

1 year old: children are able to remember some instructions. For example, if you ask your child to hand you an object, make sure he is watching you as you speak, he will remember what you are saying and then hand you the object you have asked for.

2 year old : train his memory with simple games, such as 2 or 3 piece wooden puzzles. See how it takes him to complete the puzzle. If you give him a similar puzzle to do after some time, he will take a lot less time to complete it!

3 year old : try teaching your son a song. The first time he will only remember a few words of each verse, but then he will gradually train his memory to remember the whole song.

Remember that it is important to maintain visual contact with you baby when you do these things. Look at him in the eyes as you tell him the things you want him to remember. When your child is learning something new (for example, the name of a colour) encourage him to repeat the colour over and over again.

It may also be useful to say his name often if you want something him to remember something. Hearing his name will draw his attention.

Finally, remember that everything must be a game. A good way to help your child develop his memory skills is by using games such as puzzles or memory cards.